Historic charm and outdoor fun draw newcomers to Savannah
Named for the larger city in Georgia, Savannah is a small town in Tennessee steeped in history and community spirit. Civil War battlefields and historic homes tell the story of a bygone era, and events bring neighbors together throughout the year to celebrate the community. Residents can enjoy outdoor recreation at local parks and on the Tennessee River. Renowned locally owned restaurants add to the appeal of this city of around 7,000 people. “The last eight or nine years, I’ve seen people coming from out of state. I’ve sold to people from Washington state, Utah and Arizona. They’re just trying to get out of the larger towns for a different type of life,” says Angelean Gray, a Realtor at Weichert Realtors Crunk Real Estate with nearly 30 years of experience. “We are within driving distance of larger areas, but we’re still a small town.”
Historic homes and modern builds on suburban lots
Savannah has a broad mix of housing styles, ranging from late-1800s Greek Revival and Victorian homes to midcentury ranch-style properties. Historical homes are often found in the center of town, painted white with spacious front porches. Cherry Mansion is a prime example of this style; the house was built in the early 1800s and served as Ulysses S. Grant’s headquarters during the 1862 Battle of Shiloh. Much of the city has a suburban feel, with houses close together on streets lined with towering trees. The outskirts of town feature more rural settings, where winding roads lead through fields and farms. New Traditional homes from the 2000s sit on spacious lots in this area of the community. The median sales price in Savannah is around $210,000, higher than in nearby communities like Adamsville and Clifton, which have median sales prices of about $200,000 and $160,000, respectively.
City parks and natural areas offer a mix of recreation
Several parks throughout town offer a wide variety of recreation. “We have Tennessee Street Park, which is huge. It has walking trails and splash pads for the kids,” Gray says. “Other counties actually bring school buses with children to use our park.” The 5-acre park also has playgrounds and a 20-foot fountain. Wayne Jerrolds River Park is a 10-acre site with walking trails and a boat ramp on the banks of the Tennessee River. More water activities are available at Pickwick Landing State Park, about 14 miles away. This natural area has a marina and two public boat ramps. It’s also known for its ample fishing and swimming opportunities. Shiloh National Military Park is about 10 miles away, preserving the battlefield from 1862. It has miles of hiking and cycling trails, museums and interpretive centers.
Locally owned businesses and big-box retailers fill the streets
Main Street is lined with restaurants serving all kinds of food, from Italian to barbecue. About 10 miles outside of town, Hagy’s Catfish Hotel is a longstanding local favorite that Gray recommends. The riverside spot has been around since the 1930s and is known for its fried whole catfish and hushpuppies. Small businesses in the city include gift shops, clothing stores and other boutiques. Big-box stores like Walmart, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply Co. are nearby. Groceries are available at Piggly Wiggly or Kroger.
Annual and weekly events celebrate the city's heritage
Community events bring neighbors together throughout the year. The Hardin County Agricultural Fair takes place in September and includes carnival rides, games, fair food and live entertainment. Christmas on Main is the city’s annual holiday celebration, taking place on three weekends in December. “It is a Hallmark Christmas. We have carriage rides, a skating rink, crafts and face painting,” Gray says. The weekly River City Market takes place on Wednesdays and features produce, flowers and crafts, all originating within 100 miles of Savannah.
Hardin County students prepare for careers with vocational courses
Students might attend Northside Elementary School, rated a C-plus by Niche, and Hardin County Middle School, which receives a B-minus. Hardin County High School earns a B and offers several vocational programs, including agriscience, construction, large animal science and welding. Students can participate in clubs like the National Honor Society and the Vocational Technical Honor Society.
U.S. and state highways link Savannah to nearby cities
U.S. Route 64 and multiple state highways all pass through the town. Jackson is about 52 miles away via Route 64 and U.S. Route 45. Corinth , Mississippi, is approximately 32 miles away via state Route 22. Health care is available in town at Hardin Medical Center on Wayne Road.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
